Pete Rose, the all-time hit leader in Major League Baseball, has passed away at the age of 83. Rose, who was banned from baseball for gambling on the sport, died in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Rose’s career in MLB was nothing short of legendary. He played 23 seasons in the league, primarily for the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos. Rose was known for his aggressive style of play and his unmatched hustle on the field. He was a 17-time All-Star and won three World Series championships during his career.
However, Rose’s legacy in baseball will forever be tarnished by his involvement in gambling. In 1989, Rose was banned from baseball for life by then-commissioner Bart Giamatti after an investigation found that Rose had bet on games while managing the Reds.
Despite his ban, Rose continued to deny that he had ever bet on baseball games. He spent years petitioning for reinstatement, but his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. In 2015, then-commissioner Rob Manfred upheld Rose’s lifetime ban, citing his continued gambling activities.
Despite his ban from baseball, Rose remained a beloved figure in Cincinnati, where he was affectionately known as “Charlie Hustle.” He frequently made appearances at Reds games and was a regular presence in the community.
Rose’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and former teammates. Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, who played alongside Rose on the Reds, tweeted, “Pete was a fierce competitor and a true legend of the game. He will be sorely missed.”
While Rose’s gambling scandal will always be a dark cloud over his career, there is no denying his incredible talent and impact on the game of baseball. Pete Rose will be remembered as one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game.